Laura Prepon Leaving 'Orange Is The New Black': Was Actress Forced Out?

Laura Prepon will not be returning as lesbian inmate Alex Vause for second season of "Orange Is The New Black."

Sources told Buzzfeed the actress didn't sign a contract for the show's next season. However, she will still appear in several season-two episodes in order to close out Alex's story line, particularly her relationship with the show's main character played by Taylor Schilling.

"Orange Is The New Black" is the story of Piper Chapman, a woman in her 30s who's sentenced to 15 months in prison after she is convicted of a decade old crime of transporting money for her drug dealing girlfriend. Prepon's character, Alex, is a drug runner, was initially responsible for Piper's imprisonment but also served as an unstable love interest.

According to the Daily Mail, there have been no reports on whether the decision for Prepon's departure was her own or by show runner, Jenji Kohan, who is best known for his work on Showtime network, "Weeds."

Prepon is best known for her long stint as Donna Pinciotti on the FOX hit show, "That 70's Show". Prepon had recently appeared on ABC's "October Road" and "NBC's Are You There, Chelsea?"

According to The Hollywood Reporter, several cast members have been upgraded to series regulars, including Danielle Brooks, Taryn Manning, Kate Mulgrew and Uzo Aduba.

"Orange Is The New Black," is produced by Lionsgate TV for Netflix. The show, which aired July 11, has brought attention to the streaming service. It follows in the successful footsteps of the political thriller "House Of Cards," which was released in February. "House of Cards" racked up nine Emmy nominations for Netflix and stars Kevin Spacy and Robin Wright.